Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Ratings
Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Schools
Lower than average education levels, poor reading and math scores, as well as the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools could all be factors in the low schools score.
Colby, Kansas is a small city with a population of 5,426 people. At 92%, the majority of the Colby population is White; this is followed by 3% Black and 1% Asian. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Colby. With an average one way commute time of only 15 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Colby, Kansas. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. To help you find the best places to live in and around Colby, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, cost of living, education, employment, housing and more.
With a livability score of 74 out of 100, Colby is ranked #3,594 in the United States and #53 in Kansas. For each of the livability categories, we see that Colby ranks very well for cost of living (A+), employment (B) and housing (A+). On a less positive note, Colby does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (F) and education (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
The Colby unemployment rate of 1% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Colby can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Colby real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Colby. The median home price for Colby homes is $127,600, which is 5.7% lower than the Kansas average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Colby, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.1, which is 16% lower than the Kansas average.
| Statistic | Colby | Kansas | National |
| Average one way commute | 15min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 85.5% | 82.2% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.8% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 0.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 2.2% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.8% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.5% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
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